Vocal Health

Your voice is an instrument, and taking care of it is essential for singing consistently and confidently.

Healthy vocal habits throughout the week will make a significant difference in how your voice feels and performs when it’s time to lead.

Hydration

Hydration is one of the most important factors in vocal health.

Drink water regularly throughout the day, not just when you are preparing to sing. Staying hydrated helps your vocal cords function smoothly and reduces fatigue.

If possible, avoid extremely cold drinks right before singing, as they can cause the throat to tense. Room temperature water is typically best.

Protect Your Voice

If you are scheduled to sing, take care of your voice in the days leading up to the service.

Try to avoid:

• Excessive yelling or screaming

• Talking loudly in noisy environments

• Oversinging or pushing your voice

These habits can quickly lead to strain or swelling.

If Your Voice Is Fatigued

If your voice feels strained or swollen, give it time to recover.

Helpful practices include:

• Reduce how much you talk

• Avoid whispering, which can actually strain the voice

• If you need to speak, do so gently and at a slightly higher pitch rather than pushing your natural speaking voice

• Drink warm liquids to help soothe the throat

Light vocal warmups in the middle of your range can also help. Try singing gently for about five minutes, several times throughout the day.

Gargling

Be cautious with saltwater or lemon gargles. While they can help remove mucus from the vocal cords, they can also cause irritation if used excessively.

Diet Considerations

Certain foods and drinks can affect how your voice feels.

Be aware that:

• Dairy products may increase mucus production for some people

• Salty foods can be drying

• Caffeine can also contribute to dryness

Helpful Tea

Many vocalists find Throat Coat tea helpful when the throat feels dry or irritated. It is an herbal tea that can be found at most grocery or health food stores.